You Win Some, You Lose Some and Some Get Rained Out

Phase One. Day 14

2012-01-30T22:16:00.001-07:00

Today my roommate and I made it through phase one of the South Beach Diet.

I'd like to tell you that it was easy, but it certainly wasn't. But I do feel great. I'm not sure how much weight I lost last time I weighed I was down 9.5 lbs, but we'll see tomorrow for the final count.

I have no idea how it works, but I really have lost a lot of belly fat and that is exactly what they said would happen. The results keep me motivated and help me to say no to the treats around me.

Tomorrow I begin Phase Two! Carbs are back in, as is fruit. I'm a little bit nervous to see how my body will react. The weight loss slows down to a healthy amount during phase two. Closer to 1-2 lbs a week.

For anyone who is considering the diet here are a few of my thoughts. Don't feel guilty for not feeling hungry. I wish I drank more water during phase one, and slept more. Watch out for your fat servings. I cheated a bit because I would sometimes have almonds and natural peanut butter in the same day. I didn't feel guilty because of how healthy I was eating, but looking back I wish I had been better about that.

I can't wait until tomorrow. I'm going to eat some carbs in the morning.

Love

2012-01-27T15:37:00.003-07:00

via pinterest

I read this and loved it. I needs to be share. via

JOHN E. STEINBECK

A Letter to His Son, New York, 10 November 1958

Dear Thom:

We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.

First -- if you are in love -- that's a good thing -- that's about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don't let anyone make it small or light to you.

Second -- There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you -- of kindness and consideration and respect -- not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn't know you had.

You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply -- of course it isn't puppy love.

But I don't think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it -- and that I can tell you.

Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.

The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.

If you love someone -- there is no possible harm in saying so -- only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.
Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.
It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another -- but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.

Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I'm glad you have it.

We will be glad to meet Susan. She will be very welcome. But Elaine will make all such arrangements because that is her province and she will be very glad to. She knows about love too and maybe she can give you more help than I can.

And don't worry about losing. If it is right, it happens -- The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.

Love,

Confessions

2012-01-26T12:25:00.001-07:00

Just a few thoughts running through my mind this fine Thursday afternoon.

- My roommate and I decided to the South Beach diet. A good friend of our lost 35lbs on it so we thought we would give it a try. I will let you know when we're done with phase one how much we've lost but I'll just say I can already see a change in my body. It's not a low-carb diet, it's more of a healthy lifestyle.

- I cannot wait for baseball season to begin. I miss it so much I want to cry. Despite my great disdain for the Boston Red Sox, I'm trying to organize a trip to Boston to see the team. How to do with without spending $?? I pretty much just need a place to stay... Know anyone in boston?

- I love pickles now. And I wish I was eating sugar free pudding right now... mmm....

- I am thinking about running the Colorado Ragnar... As in we're just trying to get a team together for it.

- I feel incredibly blessed right now. Just remarkably at peace with my life. God is Good.

- The highlight of my weeks right now are going to my 11-year-old brother's basketball games on Saturday. I usually keep score for my dad. I just love to watch the little guys improve. Today I realized they only have two games and then a tournament left and I got a little bit sad. At least it'll be followed up with their baseball season.

- I want something to train for. I have some lofty goals as far as this whole South Beach thing, and I'll admit that I've never been so committed to something. Granted, it's day 10 and that's not all that long but I feel great. I haven't had sugar in that time, and I've said no to just about everything I couldn't imagine being tempted with. We have a cheat day planned on my roommate's birthday in March.

- I've been listening to French music all morning. To get myself ready for spring!

Hunger Games

2012-01-25T09:19:00.002-07:00

Can't wait for the Hunger Games movie in March? Me neither. Until the movie is premiered here are a few things to tide you over.

The Tumblr called Capitol Couture is fantastic. It is written as if the books are real and it focuses on the story line, as well as the fashion we'll see in the film. Read the site's masthead:

Whether you're a Capitol fashionista seeking inspiration for your latest look or a District citizen tracking rumors about the Tributes and other celebs, Capitol Couture is the only place to turn for pictures and news reports on the fashion, trends and lifestyle that make Capitol living so grand.

Sorry, the site takes forever to load, but it's still pretty great.

Also, EW has an exclusive photo of the costumes for the tribute parade. I can't wait to see them on fire.

Via

Looking Forward To...

2012-01-24T13:24:00.003-07:00

Spring Training!

Unmask

2012-01-16T12:07:00.001-07:00

Go Denver

2012-01-14T01:09:00.004-07:00

As an avid football fan, and a born and raised Denver Bronco follower I cannot let what the Broncos have done this season go unnoticed. Denver is in a fuss about Tim Tebow, you think you hear about him all the time everywhere else... puh-lease.

Let's go Broncos!

photo via The Denver Post

The Bent Noodle

2012-01-13T10:11:00.001-07:00

I love my momma. We had a most delicious dinner together. My family loves this little local restaurant called The Bent Noodle. Great Italian food!

We started off the night with one of my faves.

A Test

2012-01-11T16:58:00.003-07:00

Just when you feel like you've made some good progress, you've matured, grown and acted like an adult, just when you feel like you've overcome some great weakness or tendency to choose wrong... Life throws you a curveball.

Forgive the vague references here but some things have to stay private...

Why is it that this time around, when people are creating drama around me, people are now looking to me as an example or at times a solution. My natural inclination is to not give the drama any time, for that is exactly what drama wants more than anything. But perhaps, this time I'm in a position where I lead, I lead by word and by deed and people are looking to my example to see the best way to react. Here's a little secret... I have no idea what to do (don't tell anybody).

Then another situation is thrust in front of me. One that is deeply personal and really pulls right at my recently patched up heart strings. I can choose the higher road, which requires a lot more of me. Or I can get petty, fight and argue. And I'm not sure what I want to do. I know what I'll end up doing, but how I'm going to get there... I'm not sure.

I had to go back and read this and this for help.

The Pioneer Granny

2011-12-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

My Granny and I share a love of many things, food, cooking, books and The Pioneer Woman!

How rad is my Granny for loving P dub as much as I do. She even sent me the cook book - a signed copy!

My mom is visiting her for Christmas and I am terribly jealous, you see my Granny lives in Fairfax, Oklahoma. Just a hop, skip and a jump (if there were such a thing on the Oklahoma plains) away from the ranch of The Pioneer Woman and Marlboro Man.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

I looking forward to a relaxing holiday weekend. I'll spend time with friends and family and hopefully I'll spend a lot more time snuggled up in bed, as I have been missing my time spent in that warm cozy place.

During the holidays it is hard to not reflect upon the blessings we have and I am so grateful for my life, my friends, my family and the many opportunities I have.

Just want to share a few thoughts with you this holiday weekend.

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The true meaning of Christmas and the knowledge of this moment is what I am most grateful for.

I have Christmas Bieber fever....

I want to live in these outfits this weekend.

It snowed a lot this week. A LOT. It makes me want to stretch out in a hot yoga class! My old roommate and good friend Steph teaches here .

I'm going to try a new gym, the cost is much higher, don't know if I'm willing to spend that much more.

A few other Christmas thoughts. Wise Men Still Seek Him and the First Presidency December Message.

Holiday Baking

2011-12-20T09:06:00.003-07:00

I've been a baking fool. Making so many holiday treats. I feel like it says that I care enough about you that I take the time to bake these goodies, but also that I'm poor and can't afford gifts for everyone...

Anyway, I'm thinking about giving these babies a try tonight.... We'll see. I've always wanted to make them.

I am also thinking about making some cake pops!

I'll let you know what happens...

Winter Meetings

2011-12-09T13:06:00.001-07:00

It's a weekend devoted to processing winter meetings. So many changes. I'm getting psyched for April!

Please enjoy:

Hehehehe, I'm still laughing.

Obsessed

2011-12-08T14:52:00.001-07:00

Be the Change

2011-12-07T09:41:00.001-07:00

via

I have had a lot of different thought racing through my head for the past few days. I can’t seem to wrap my mind around these ideas, and to be completely honest, the contrast between these recurring themes is so extreme that at times I am embarrassed.

On the 70^th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, I find myself comparing today’s issues to the issues faced during WWII. The U.S. is engaged in several conflicts across the globe today, whereas 70 years ago it I mainly isolated concerned with its own problems and issues. I think about the major conflict in the world today and my heart aches. Learning about the bombings on the Shi’ite holiday makes me wonder when we and if we will ever learn acceptance of difference and love for all people. I know this is an idealistic point of view, but have we not learned from mistakes from the past? We can read the horrific accounts of genocide from our history books, but then see it in action today. Many of the gains that were made with the Arab spring are being threatened by oppressive regimes and electoral problems, it makes me incredibly grateful to live in the United States where my freedom has not been oppressed and I am allowed to exert my basic rights because they are constitutionally protected.

I get on my blog with these types of thoughts and I see that yesterday I posted a picture of a hairstyle that I am lusting after and I feel extreme guilt. When entire communities suffer in depths of poverty that I cannot truly even fathom and I am upset because my short hair is limiting. Plus, by posting a picture of Katy Perry, I am contradicting another topic trending in my mind right now, and that is of the assault against women’s values and intelligence (see Miss Representation). I have been raised in a world that taught me my greatest value and worth is that of how I appear to others. While various lessons have taught me otherwise, I see that while my value isn’t based on these things many people will choose to judge me based on this skewed value system.

Congratulations to those who have taken a stand against this, see here and here. I hope for a world where my daughters are not raised under these conditions. I know that this will depend largely on the home I raise them in, the values I choose to instill in them. I am grateful for a mother who taught me and showed me what it means to be an independent woman. I read these great ideas

Simultaneously I see how ingrained these ideas are in my day-to-day life. I worry so much about what I eat, that it practically consumes my thoughts, then I talk about it with my friends who are also consumed with it. My best friend on the other side of the country calls me to complain about the weight she put on, while I feel terrible guilt for eating Christmas cookies a newspaper sent my department. All the while, there was a giant famine in Horn of Africa that put over 13 million people at risk. People in war-torn nations unable to know when their next meal will come as they are displaced in surrounding areas, and I worry about my inability to control how much food I eat?? I see a major conflict here.

I don’t have a solution to any of these issues and I don’t suppose that I ever will, but I do know that I can take action now. Be the change you wish to see in the world. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic life pursuit to change the entire world but it begins in the entertainment I seek, the clothing I buy, the way I raise my children (assuming I’ll have some one day) and the example I set to those around me, along with the role models I seek.

These are just a few of my thoughts today.

Hair Envy

2011-12-05T22:19:00.001-07:00

After months and months of begging, my roommate finally shaved part of my head. It's the smallest area above my right ear and I think it's awesome. The entire cut is done a bit differently, but let's be honest, my hair is so freaking short that you can't even tell. I'd say look at the photos below but you won't be able to tell because I'm wearing a hat, photo to come...

So, I have a case of hair envy. My friend Booke (see below) has the most beautiful long hair that she keeps parted down the middle. Her hair is seriously like the burnette Lauren Conrad.

Here is what I am currently coveting...

via

Parade of Lights

2011-12-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

This weekend was the Parade of Lights in Denver. I love Christmas and didn't want to miss out on the festivities so I headed down to the parade with friends. A few things I learned on this Saturday evening adventure:

1. When the forecast predicts temperatures will be near 10 degrees, don't stand outside for several hours even if you're wearing layers.

2. Sneaking into a hotel to use the bathroom is great when you gotta go, just be prepared to get caught by hotel workers while exploring later. Also, men may walk into the bathroom too.

3. Hot chocolate is a great choice, and it's even better when you bring your own thermos so it stays cold.

4. I wish I could spend my winter weekend nights at the theater.

Parasocial Relationships and Fitness Challenges

2011-11-30T08:47:00.001-07:00

I wrote a funny blog about parasocial relationships, Pioneer Woman and Angel Stone. Then Blogger failed me. I don't want to talk about it. Let's just assume it was funny, it involved witty commentary and a love of all things blog related, with a firm stance that I live in reality even thought Angel is clearly my friend... right?

Anyway, Check out Fit and Hungry for a December fitness challenge!!!!

One day I'll make up for Blogger's mistake.

There's So Much to be Thankful For

2011-11-24T07:52:00.001-07:00

There is so much to be grateful for. My life has been richly blessed. I'm thankful for my family and friends, for incredible new opportunities to grow and change. I'm grateful to have the gospel in my life, and for my Savior.

The older I get the more precious all of my relationships with my family become. So at a time like this I can't help but be grateful for their support and love!

Also, I'm so glad I'm done with the GMAT!!!

Confession Monday

2011-11-21T08:51:00.001-07:00

I LOVE the holidays, but my love of the holidays has taken some hits this season - consequence of working in retail advertising.

I complain about feeling stagnant in life, and then progress and change are heaped upon me in mass quantities and I have a hard time dealing. Irony?

Despite loving my short hair, I really miss having long hair. Hair that pokes out of hats, hair that you can put in braids, hair you can put in a ponytail or a bun. I miss it.

I haven't been very nice to my body, consequence of stress but only makes me more stressed?

I love the Pioneer Woman, and I have this in common with my grandmother. Does that make me a nerd? My granny sent me her cook book and I got so excited that I jumped up and down like a kid on Christmas morning. P-Dub is awesome and makes good food!

I'm so excited for The Great Gatsby remake! Also, please see Midnight in Paris.

I have a strong desire to simplify my life and it is effecting my wardrobe choices. I want effortless looking style with no effort (not easy to achieve...)

I can't wait for my family to come! Busy week - terribly,awesome week - of course!

Almost Time...

2011-11-15T11:00:00.001-07:00

photo via

I'm ready to put up the tree and the Christmas decorations... here's hoping for some snow!

The Christmas Waltz by She & Him on Grooveshark

The Christmas Song by The Ravonettes on Grooveshark

Occupy Denver

2011-11-14T08:58:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend I had my first Occupy (insert any city name in the world here) experience.

I went to the 16th Street Mall to check out the new H&M (note it was way too busy for me to actually get any shopping done...). I did manage to make an amazing purchase thanks to some friends and family coupons I got...

While making my way over to the Denver Pavilions my friends and I hear a commotion, then we saw some police in the distance. Everyone around us had stopped what they were doing so we joined in. I saw a group of people coming toward us, with police lining the street. The next thing I know, a group of young people, with handkerchiefs over their faces started walking by, knocking the tops off of the trash cans, and in some cased knocking the trash cans over. A group of police officers on Motorcycles followed the group, urging them off of the main pathway.

Then a larger group chanting "We are the 99 percent," walked by. They were turning to us, asking us to join in on the protest, informing us that we too were the 99 percent.

On our way to dinner after the H&M disappointment, we saw the perimiter of Civic Center Park was surrounded by police, and police were everywhere just beyond the park.

It was very interesting.

Photo from the Denver Post

weekend

2011-11-11T09:19:00.001-07:00

I don't think I can remember a time where I was more excited for the weekend than I am today. My roommate is graduating from cosmetology school and we're having a fun little gathering at our new place to celebrate. There's still a lot to be done, but it will be presentable tonight. Our rooms will remain shut because those are still a giant mess....

I'm excited to get all my DIY projects done and to get ready for the holidays! I'll share some photos with you next week, when a lot of the projects are complete.

In the meantime, please enjoy this song and a few links.

Planning on making this for our deck.

This might be my next project, I think it would look lovely in my room.

Have I confessed my love of StyleMint promo videos? Here is a new one.

H&M has opened in Denver, guess who is making a trip tomorrow.... me duh.

photo here found via pinterest

Breathe

2011-11-07T09:56:00.002-07:00

After an incredibly exhausting weekendso much of my stress has been relieved.

Unexpectedly having to move for a type-Aplanner throws a big wrench into everything. The result is a lot of stress.

But with a lot of help (that I am soincredibly grateful for) Jen and I moved into our awesome new apartment. I willpost photos when it is a bit more put together. We’ve unpacked a large amountof boxes, put up a few decorations and we’ve settled on how we want ourfurniture set up. There is still a lot of work to be done, but most of thatwill have to take a back seat to other life events. AKA the GMAT…

But it feels nice to breathe again, tobe reminded that things have a tendency to work out. I’ve still got a lot ofwork to do, but everything will be ok.

Devine

2011-11-01T10:37:00.000-06:00

I hope it will be said we taught them to stand tall &proud, even in the face of history & the future was made new & wholefor us all, one child at a time.

- Brian Andreas

Sometimes I worry. I worry a lot. About things that arecompletely out of my control.

Life is so much better when you let go of the worry aroundyou and you focus on the good and the positive, and you find it engulfs yourlife. It’s just waiting there for you to allow it in. For your eyes to see it.I think it is usually found in those around me. In my family and my friends. Intheir courage in hard times, in their trails and heartbreak and mainly inallowing yourself to see the divine within them, what they can’t even see aboutthemselves.

It can be a bit sad, to watch someone struggle to find thesetruths. But it is overshadowed by their goodness, by theirhope and optimism. Even if they can't see or feel it yet.

Weekend

2011-10-28T08:50:00.001-06:00

I'm so glad it's Friday. I've got a busy weekend ahead of me. Halloween parties, prepping for moving. So much to do...

so please enjoy the following links and get pumped for the weekend.

Hipster rant (too funny please beware of the censored expletives.

Interesting commentary on being a young mormon, trying to be cool. My personal feeling is go ahead and have style, but perhaps you shouldn't measure yourself based on the standards of the world... Also, just because you show that you are different, doesn't mean that everyone at church is going to judge. While imperfect, most people are loving and accepting...

World Series, game six... did that just happen?

I think I might need this dress

Still trying to decide on a halloween costume, Jack and Jill?

English monarch evolution, first born of any gender will be heir to the throne. Reminds me of dreams as a little girl...

I really would like to see Like Crazy.

Moving

2011-10-25T09:55:00.000-06:00

I got home to my condo on Friday with my hands full of bulk items from Costco to find a lovely FORECLOSURE notice on my door!!!! The condo I have been renting officially went into foreclosure on Friday so I had to scramble to find a place.

I had always wondered where I wanted to live, and I was leaning toward Denver, but I received a new calling at church that has a lot of responsibility and I felt like I couldn't abandoned the calling. So Jen and I found an apartment in Denver. Stephanie had already signed a lease at another place.

So we are moving on November 4, because we have to be out by the 5th. Advantage-moving assistance provided by the bank!

Ah! I'm now excited to move! I wish it was this weekend, but I'm glad it's not. We've got to do this in the most organized fashion that we can. A lot of people from my church are going to help us move and we have a moving truck.

Can't wait to decorate! Pictures to follow when projects and painting is done.

Unrelated notes:

- I accidentally started listening to Christmas music yesterday (yep, I'm one of those people)
- I'm pretty sure Zooey Deschanel and I are supposed to be best friends, yay for parasocial relationships
- My boss brought in breakfast burritos today... amazing!

Hello Weekend

2011-10-21T09:49:00.000-06:00

I am SO glad it's Friday! It has been a long week and I'm ready for the weekend. My goal is to take it pretty easy, I've got to fit in some good workouts and study time, but other than that I will spend the weekend relaxing.

Best way to kick off the weekend... Giant nutrition free for all at work. Check out the goods I managed to grab. There was so much stuff! Every single day I am happy to be employed, but some days I really LOVE my job.

Just a few things to note -

I love Colorado

I want to read everything this man writes.

Sick of people making drama around the world series. I just want to watch some awesome baseball.

I can't wait for listening to Christmas music to be acceptable and I can't wait for this album.

Planning on making these too.

Spoken Word Poetry

2011-10-18T10:35:00.001-06:00

Thanks mom for sharing this with me.

I wanted to post the text from the poem that she closes with, but the power of the poem is in her performance of it.

I recommend you take the time to watch or listen to this.

Dear Life,

2011-10-17T10:59:00.002-06:00

Growing up is not always easy. Being anadult, accepting responsibility and acting maturely is not what I always want.It’s rarely the easiest thing to do in any given situation.

Maybe I spent the better portion of myadolescents and young adulthood escaping responsibility, but I’ve found that ahuge part of my growing process has come with the realization that I am solelyresponsible for my happiness and for my reactions to situations. It is up to meto process and respond to circumstances that are unpleasant and it is up to meto make decisions that will bring me success and joy.

Becoming the kind of person that I wantto be is a bit of a learning process. Every time I feel like I’ve figuredsomething out, you my dear life throw me another curveball and I find myself standingat the plate baffled at the pitch after I swung and missed.

With this process, I hope that thosearound me are willing to employ the great gift of grace toward me, a certainamount of forgiveness and a lot of love. I sure hope that this gift issomething that I am ALWAYS willing to share with those around me.

I find that I get frustrated with thosearound me that aren’t embarking down the road I’m on with me, that they too arenot striving to become the same kind of person I want to become, or perhapsthey aren’t sure what kind of person they would like to become so rather thanbecome they stay at the same stage.

I had an awakening, curveball type ofexperience today that showed me I need to be careful with the expectations Ihold those around me to. I need to be quick to forgive and slow to anger, quickto understand and slow to pass judgment.

Just do me this favor today, be quick toforgive, even if it is not completely deserved. Just give someone a breaktoday, because they’re just trying to figure it out too.

Powder Keg of Emotion

2011-10-13T12:30:00.002-06:00

I’m a walking bundle of emotions. Somany emotions are swimming through my body.

I once went to a communication trainingcourse and the instructor said that we have a bucket of emotions in our bodythat we have to release every so often otherwise our emotions will overflow andwe won’t be able to control the release of these emotions. Learn how to letsome emotional water out of our buckets is what she was teaching… apparentlythat’ll help us communicate (Which I agree with at times, but we are emotionalbeings and sometimes we need to convey our emotions… off topic).

Today my emotional bucket tipped overbecause of the sudden emotional downpour inside of me. Too much is going onright now. Too much for me to handle all at once, and the result is an emotionalwreck.

If left to my own thoughts for too long,I begin to cry.

If left to read the words of others fortoo long, I begin to cry.

If talking, I begin to cry.

If listening, I begin to cry.

Let’s just sum it all up by saying thatthere has been a lot of crying.

Tears of sorrow, worry, guilt, joy,peace, humility, gratitude… you name, I’mfeeling it.

Gosh, I hope this passes soon.

Lack of Cable is Ruining My Life

2011-10-11T12:54:00.004-06:00

Guess what awesomeness went down last night. Walk-off... Grand freaking Slam...

And I missed it.

so sad.

So I have decided that when I sign a long-term lease (right now it's month-to-month) I will be getting cable. I miss watching Sportscenter, I miss being updated. Thanks be to twitter to keep me updated on the go. (follow me @jillian_will)

I live a very sad life now.

Marriage

2011-10-10T13:29:00.002-06:00

My brother Jeff got married over the weekend.

The wedding was BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I had such a great weekend and congrats to the newlyweds.

Here are some photos that a few people snapped from the ones the real photographer was taking...

Sorry

2011-10-05T13:11:00.001-06:00

I'm aware that this blog is typically used for communication about sports. So please forgive the fact that I have ventured away from the norm for the past little bit.

It is caused partly by my lack of cable television so no sportscenter, and because of the quality of the teams that I support.

Anyway, don't hate me but I wanted to share the new MUTEMATH. I have hipster friends, this is what happens, I now get excited about music.

Can't Help but Smile

2011-09-27T16:39:00.003-06:00

This song is so happy. You can't help but smile.

Love.

2011-09-23T12:01:00.000-06:00

I’m grateful for the friendships andrelationships that have endured the test of time. That my most dear friendswill always seem dear to me, despite thousands of miles and oceans that separateus.

I strongly feel like there are reasonsthat people are brought into our lives during different times and why we remainclose to them.

I have the best friends. The people Isee on an almost daily basis, the people that I talk to just a couple of timesa year and everyone in between.

My life has been shaped by theirinfluence and by their love.

I’ve been spending a lot of timethinking about love, romantic, platonic and charitable love. I want to live alife where the people that I love never have to question that I love them. AndI want my love to be a pure unconditional love like that of the Savior.

There will never be too much love inthis world. I want to spend my life wrapped up in the love of people around me,and trying to share that love with them.

Life.

2011-09-22T09:39:00.000-06:00

photo

Do you ever have those glorious moments,after taking account of your life, that you can’t help but be happy? Perhaps itis the consequence of actually getting eight hours of sleep for once, but Ifeeling pretty grateful for my life right now.

My life it nowhere near perfect, trialor drama free. I wish I had more time, more money, more clothes, a whole lotmore of everything, but all in all I’m really blessed and really happy.

I’ve got it pretty good.

It’s moments like today that I need togive me some perspective when it feels like my life is crumbling down aroundme.

For your enjoyment (I've been listening to this all morning):

Be of Good Cheer

2011-09-21T12:19:00.001-06:00

I listened to this conversation at work. I was so engrossed by the thoughts of these three great leaders that I neglected my work a bit. Take the time to listen to this because it's fantastic.

"There was one commandment that we may unwittingly violate almost more than any other commandment that the Savior gave and that is the commandment to ‘be of good cheer’. We’re supposed to hope. We’re supposed to be believing. We’re supposed to know it will get better. It will get better. It does get better. He said ‘These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace. In the world, ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.’ "

Mormon Conversations - Elder and Sister Holland

Want to learn more about my religious beliefs?

Barre

2011-09-20T09:02:00.003-06:00

My lovely roommate Stephanie is a yoga instructor at Core Power Yoga. She's crazy good at it.

The studios she works at recently decided to add Barre classes to the mix and Stephanie was one of the first teachers certified to teach. Woo Hoo!!!

I wanted to accompany her to one of the classes, so we went to a Barre class over the weekend that was taught by the instructor who runs the Barre program at many Core Power Yoga's.

First of all, she was intense. Like, boot camp intense. I once went to boot camp at 24 Hour Fitness and this crazy lady named Lindsay taught it (at 5:30 a.m. btw...) and I am too afraid of her to go back. That is exactly how I'm feeling toward Stacy right now. The only incentive to go back is in the fact that I somehow feel that by participating in her Barre class I might end up looking like her, never mind the 30 years of dancing that went into her body...

Anyway, my calves are sore. I've never been so sore in one muscle in my whole life and I've been sore before. I move painfully slow, which is quite entertaining to my other roommate Jen.

This morning it took about 10 minutes (including a steaming hot shower) to be able to straighten my legs out all the way. I wish someone would have been in the work parking lot with me to watch me get out of my car.

Good thing my desk chair has wheels... Do you think people would notice if I wheeled myself everywhere today?

Barre description via Core Power: In CorePower Barre we merge the best of Yoga, Pilates and the Lotte Berk (ballet) barre method in an invigorating, intense and fun class that will compliment a regular yoga practice and/or fitness routine. On the mat and at the barre, simple and precise movements will build elegant, lean muscles and allow students to develop strength in muscles that are often under utilized. The optional use of weights, resistance bands and fitness balls provide opportunity to intensify the workout.

Disappointment

2011-09-15T16:24:00.000-06:00

I was so excited about the start of football season. BYU scraped out a win for its first game, in the SEC too! The anticipation was building for the start of the NFL season. My fantasy team had been drafted, the Broncos were hosting the Raiders on Monday Night Football, in the stadium that my employer just bought.

Then BYU lost on Saturday. Then my fantasy team got killed. Then I watched the Broncos offense.

I can't even describe how awful it was, 38 rushing yards about sums it up.

At least there was a very nice tribute prior to the game. The whole stadium sang the National Anthem a capella.
It was beautiful.

Hair Color

2011-09-13T12:01:00.000-06:00

Remember when I wanted to grow my hair out? Remember how that didn't last very long?

I decided that I'm committing to growing it out. I have the phases planned.

Before growing it out I decided to have a lot of fun with the color. I found what my favorite style is...

It's a gray with a purple tone and a very dark brown in the back. It's so fun! The purple washed out so it's more gray and it only looks purple in really low light.

Don't worry, it'll be brown pretty soon. In time for my brother's wedding.

Fitness and weight loss confessional

2011-09-12T15:14:00.001-06:00

If you do not like reading about fitness and weight loss go ahead and leave this page immediately. I know I write about a variety of topics that appeal to all different kinds of people, so I just wanted to warn those who are expecting something about sports that you will not find it on this post.

I love working out. Most people reading this already know that about me. It's a huge priority in my life. Right now it all of my close friends are on a fitness and weight loss kick. I would just like say it is so much easier to achieve fitness and weight loss goals with the support of those around you.

Anyway, I thought I'd throw that out there because I feel like this topic is something that most people don't really talk about openly.

I recently did Weight watchers for almost three months and I lost 15 lbs. It was effective, however when I was on the program I didn't feel like I was treating my body very well. I was more concerned with keeping my points down that I cared less about what I was putting into my body.

Right now, I'm making sure I am taking better care of my body with what I'm putting into it and what I'm choosing to eat. I want to make sure I'm getting the protein (despite my lack of meat eating, I do eat it occasionally but not typically) my body needs to fuel my workouts.

I just want to say that I feel great. I was eating my usual snack of carrots and hummus and I was so happy. It tastes amazing and it is great for my body. I'm trying to cut back on processed foods and I can feel the difference.

I'm looking forward to making more delicious meals for my body.

So I want to leave you with my current favorite resource for delicious healthy recipes The Edible Perspective and The Fitnessista.

Just had to Share

2011-09-02T12:16:00.001-06:00

Rockies

2011-08-17T14:03:00.000-06:00

Last night was terribly disappointing. I went to the Rockies game, where I watched the team suffer another humiliating defeat. Does anyone else remember April, when the Rockies had the best record in baseball and the summer seemed so exciting with so many opportunities?

Then they started losing, and kept losing. Then they lost some more.

It’s not like they don’t have talent either.

Then they traded the best pitcher the organization has seen in years, we’ll wait to see how this move plays out.

Last night was too much. They should be winning. They aren’t.

September is going to be rough too.

Anyone else ready for football to begin?

P.S. my work bought the naming rights to Invesco – so I will soon be attending Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Food For Thought

2011-08-12T09:43:00.005-06:00

Last week I went to First Friday at the Denver Art District. One of the galleries opened up through all the workspace and I saw this posted on the wall there.

"Fear Eats the Soul," I wonder what thing I would do in my life if I didn't allow fear to get in the way. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of humiliation and embarrassment, but I'm sick of letting fear keep me from progressing, from stretching myself and finding what I am capable of.

It first made me think about how important our surroundings are, what they remind us of, and how we are affected by our environment. Right now I have this as my desktop background:

I keep it as a little reminder to myself not to give up on those around me.

Dear Fall

2011-08-10T08:17:00.002-06:00

Please don’t tell summer I sent you this little note, she would never forgive me and I need summer every April and May.

But fall, please come for a visit really soon. I am looking forward to wearing all of my boots again, and finding a need to purchase more. I want to wear layers, scarves with jackets and long sleeves. I don’t care if I have to wear running tights and Under Armour to exercise. Give me football, tailgating, cocoa, falling leaves, chilly nights and the World Series.

I’m ready for my heavier coats, for tights, shorter days and laying on the couch with a good book and blankets to keep warm.

Thanks,

P.S. Can you please keep winter away for a long time though? Thanks XOXO

Learn

2011-08-09T12:18:00.001-06:00

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Suddenly, I'm feeling inspired.

I Did It

2011-08-08T08:28:00.002-06:00

I completed my first triathlon this past weekend. I'll try to get some more photos up. I did Denver Tri for the Cure, the nation's largest sprint triathlon with 3,000 competitors, all women.

I had an amazing time and I can tell that I've got a bit of the competition bug. It was great to have something to work for!

A Rolling Stone

2011-08-04T16:07:00.001-06:00

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the decisions I have made lately, decisions I never would have made over a year ago.

I’ve now dramatically changed my hair color twice in the last month. I’ve decided to participate in a triathlon, I’ve moved, I’ve been spontaneous. I’ve made more time for my family in my everyday life. I’ve stopped saying yes to things that I want to say no to. I’ve been surprisingly rational with my own problems and I have been able to help people do the same thing.

Over the past year in my life I have made a lot of changes, I’ve embraced growing up. The girl who was terrified of her birthdays and has cried on every birthday since her 18^th…. It’s a shock.

Because of some unfortunate circumstances, I have spent the last year really getting to know myself and striving to be comfortable with who I am, and the person I am becoming.

As difficult and painful as the beginning of my journey was, I’m grateful for the way it has shaped me and my life.

Joseph Smith once said, “I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else.”

I firmly believe that if we allow our lives to be changed, they will. You don’t need to travel to the ends of the world in search for forgiveness, for love or for balance (although I would not mind the travel), you simply need to ask and then be willing to endure to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

I fell in love with this song and wanted to share.

Blonde

2011-08-03T13:49:00.004-06:00

During my lunch break I decided to take advantage of the nice summer weather so I went for a walk to grab a diet coke.

I decided to take this photo to show you what I have been up to lately.

It look a lot of time and care to get my hair this color. Thanks to my fabulous roommate, who is a cosmetologist, for her love and care to my hair! We achieved what we didn't think was possible. I couldn't be happier with it!

I hope to enjoy the last bits of summer! I have spent the last 1 1/2 months getting ready for my triathlon and it is almost here. I can't wait to have a personal life again, but who am I kidding, I've got to get ready for the GMAT...

Saddest Day

2011-08-01T14:18:00.002-06:00

Have you ever noticed that I am slightly melodramatic?

Last week my iPod died. What is a girl who is training for a marathon to do without a functioning iPod???

My broken iPod got me through 5 1/2 years of great music, many hours spent in the Harold B. Lee Library, a gazillion workouts, and countless bus rides. It was a sad farewell.

The upside of the tragedy....

Dear Mom and Granny,

2011-07-28T12:39:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to say thanks. Thanks for inspiring my love of reading, for showing me how important it is and how beneficial it is to my life.

Mom, thanks for reading to me as a child. I’m grateful that you always asked me what I was reading, and that my whole life I have seen you interact with youth, not just your students but all the kids you interact with, by asking them what they are currently reading.

I remember you trying to convince me to read Harry Potter, while I sat there trying to avoid the trendy book about wizards. Because of your persistence I fell in love with one of the most influential series ever, and thanks for the midnight releases with me (the books of course).

Granny, I’ll never forgot sitting in your home talking about books. You, my grandmother, showing me your journals filled with information on all of the books that you have ever read. Thanks for showing me the importance of continuing to expand my horizons into adulthood. I’m grateful for every time you told me of a particular book I should read and every time you would give me a book to read. I remember sitting at my home opening a package to find a book about an orphan train, I cracked open that book and knew I wanted to read it based on the scent alone.

I’m grateful to have such influential educators in my life. That there was someone to lead me to my love of reading, which has vastly improved all facets of my life. Thanks for tolerating my reading into the night, allowing me to read almost every babysitters club book that my library had. Thanks for your willingness to check books out of the library for me.

Please don’t ever stop asking people what they’re reading and don’t ever stop making book suggestions for me.

I am a Lady In Spain

2011-07-26T14:38:00.003-06:00

I like the idea of being whatever you want.

"I can be anything that I see," perhaps it is a bit juvenile to believe that it is true but I do. I think that half the fun is figuring out that that is.

I hope that all young people still feel this way.

Rocky Mountain High Stylin

2011-07-22T11:47:00.003-06:00

GQ compiled a list of the worst dressed cities in America. What I am sure is not much of a shock to most of us is that Boulder comes in at No. 40.

Here is what GQ had to say:

Strolling through this charming university town, you are most likely to find three major categories of clothing: 1) anything made by North Face 2) anything made by Patagonia 3) fanny packs. The observant eye will also spot unmistakable seasonal trends, such as Adidas for Fall, Crocs for Spring, and Uggs for Summer (we have no explanation for this). These are often accompanied by Boulder's year-round go-to accessory, the wheatgrass shot (sometimes paired with an unidentifiable vegan "cookie"). Yet of Boulder's 100,000 people, about 30,000 are students, some 99.9% are blonde, and all of them in better shape than you. This town is always obnoxiously flaunting its "fittest-place-in-the-country" awards, and you will be hard-pressed to find one person here, including your 85-year-old grandmother, without a six-pack. It is, in fact, a worst-dressed city that looks best naked. So Boulderites, do your fellow citizens a favor: next time you reach for the biking-shorts-and-sneakers as eveningwear combo, just take it all off.—Nurit Zunger

I love Colorado, but we definitely have some stereotypes that ring true, particularly when it comes to style.

Walking through Denver you’ll see many of the 20 –somethings strolling around in what I would deem the basic Colorado uniform.Jeans, northface and uggs are pretty much the standard for winter. The summer varies greatly depending on the outdoor activity you choose as your hobby.

Last night I went on a bike ride with some friends after work, we decided to grab a bite to eat. The three of us walked into Five Guys in all of our bike gear and we realized we had become one of “those people.”

*** let us take comfort in the fact that Provo is No. 15 and Salt Lake is No. 8

Mud Run

2011-07-21T08:48:00.003-06:00

don't think i've mentioned my post tri plans. i will be competing in the mud run!

the race benefits the colorado MS society, and we're fundraising for the event. visit my personal page to make a small donation in my name!

The National MS Society is dedicated to creating a world free of MS. They simultaneously fund research for a cure while also helping people who currently live with the unpredictable disease. More than 400,000 Americans live with MS and your support can and will make changes in their lives.

Please help me fight MS! Join in the muddy fun by registering for the inaugural Mud Run MS Colorado, simply go to www.mudrunmscolorado.org –or– visit my personal page to help me raise money and make a donation to the National MS Society.

A Message For Today

2011-07-14T12:26:00.003-06:00

I come this morning with a plea that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that we "accentuate the positive." I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course. I am not suggesting that our conversation be all honey and blossoms. Clever expression that is sincere and honest is a skill to be sought and cultivated.

What I am suggesting and asking is that we turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good in the land and times in which we live, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears.

I doubt not that we shall have days of trial. I am confident that so long as we have more politicians than statesmen, we shall have problems. But I am certain that if we will emphasize the greater good and turn our time and talents from vituperative criticism, from constantly looking for evil, and lift our sights to what may be done to build strength and goodness in our nation, America shall continue to go forward with the blessing of the Almighty and stand as an ensign of strength and peace and generosity to all the world.

-President Gordon B. Hinckley, Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled, Brigham Young University, October 29, 1974.

Adventures in Opera

2011-07-13T09:00:00.002-06:00

I am slightly different, ok incredibly different, than most women my age. Last night I traded my traditional love of the midsummer classic (go NL!!!) for my love of the arts.

My friend and I attended Denver’s first Opera under the stars. We went to watch the Central City Opera’s production of Carmen, at an outdoor amphitheater. Purchasing the tickets seemed like a good choice at the time, however I did not anticipate weather complications.

In case you are located in Denver, we have had some nasty storms lately. Flash floods, lightening, torrential downpours… every afternoon. After brief showers during the afternoon and a little bit through dinner we thought we would make it.

The clouds seemed to break up at the start of the show and we were feeling good about it. At the end of Act II, it began to sprinkle… but it was intermission so we just sat. The rain came down harder, so up went my clear umbrella (clear umbrella=genius, you can still people watch in the rain).

We decided to wait it out. After a bit we realized that Act III was supposed to begin already… the production crew must have wanted to wait as well.

Suddenly the sky started to light up. Lightening was frequent but far enough away that we could not hear thunder. My friend Shareeta and I just sat and hoped that some weather magic might occur and spare us so.

Unfortunately the thunder roared, but the lightening was so frequent that you could not tell which booming thunder accompanied which lightening strike. That was until a huge bolt split the sky and it seemed to connect just outside of the amphitheater.

We decided it was time to go, unfortunately our decision coincided with heavier rain. We began to trot to the parking lot (and we did trot, trying to go as quickly as possible and still remain under the umbrella). I think I shouted “we’re going to die” and least three times after close lightening.

The umbrella failed, and we both were soaking wet, I had to take my shoes off to navigate though the streams that seemed to sprout up in the street. Our dirt parking lot turned into a lake. We were stuck for a little while, but managed to get out eventually (not after I stepped on a massive thorn bush with my bare feet).

I think it was punishment for missing the All-Star Game.

But the first half of the Opera was beautiful, and it was probably the greatest opera adventure I will ever have in my life.

A Girl Who Reads

2011-07-12T13:26:00.003-06:00

I read this today and immediately loved it.

I loved it so much I have to share it with you. Because I find myself lying in bed unable to sleep without know what will happen to the characters that I have grown to love.

I am the girl who will read her favorite books over and over again when there is nothing else to choose from.

But I love this mainly because life it too short to spend all your time with someone lacking imagination, and I firmly believe imagination is a gift from reading. I think an adventurous spirit also comes from reading, and I want to spend my life with someone who loves those things about me.

New Day

2011-07-07T09:42:00.001-06:00

This morning yielded very different results…

I met my friend Maggie at the gym at 6 a.m. this morning. Mags and I are training for a triathlon (did I mention that before, can’t remember). We have one month left to train. This means every day seems to be pretty intense (let’s not get into how we only decided to do this about two weeks ago).

That means after about 40 minutes of swimming I quickly showered and got ready for work.

I packed my bag (so this means that I had an acceptable outfit picked out last night) and I was awake enough to put some care into my hair and makeup.

Big improvement in my general appearance.

A bit of caffeine and I was ready for work. Then an hour passed and I got tired. And I’m still tired. And I will be tired all day long…

Turns out that going to bed before midnight will make waking up at 5:30 much easier…

Morning Woes

2011-07-06T10:56:00.001-06:00

Do you ever feel so tired in the morning that you cannot think straight? I feel this way every morning… I’m working on it.

It takes all of my will to drag myself out of bed (can we blame my allergies or something so I don’t need to take personal responsibility here??) and stumble into the shower.

I do everything in my power to reduce the puffiness under my eyes, quickly dry my hair, throw on some clothes and then I’m eating as I run out the door.

A few hours later, once I am fully awake and alert at work the consequences of my decisions dawn on me…

My hair and my outfit are almost embarrassing. Luckily my hair is an easy fix. I’ve learned to carry some molding clay in my purse to allow for these events (I also carry a backup for all my medicine because I can’t trust myself to take in all in the morning). The clothing thing is a problem I cannot solve. My brain was functioning enough to have me throw some additional clothes into my gym bag so I can look presentable at my church meeting after my workout today.

First, is it bad that I would rather been seen in workout attire than what I choose to wear to work today?

Second, If I can think of that solution, why can’t I think of a better outfit??

Now, this all has to do with my vanity. My outfit is not atrocious, it’s slightly plain not at all trendy and boring. Apparently I need to employ all my mental capacity to find something cute.

Goal for tomorrow: 1. Pick out an outfit before I go to bed and 2. Wake up 15 minutes earlier

Modern Convenience Gone Wrong

2011-07-05T13:50:00.002-06:00

I’m all for modern convenience, things that make life easier and much more enjoyable.

My work has ruined one of the greatest modern conveniences ever – air conditioning. I think that they may be trying to torture me. I’m not exactly sure why though?

Do they think that lower temperatures promote a better work environment? Perhaps it improves one’s thought processes?

I’m going to admit that complaining about it, whether in my head, to my coworkers, or here on my blog, means that it is significantly decreasing my productivity.

Why must I bundle up in the middle of July just to sit at my desk and work? Plus, I don’t think the air ever turns off. It’s a steady stream of freezing cold air.

My coworker thinks I’m crazy, but her desk isn’t directly underneath the vent. I think there is a conspiracy against me…

Midnight in Paris

2011-06-24T13:51:00.001-06:00

Last night I went to the Shops at Southglenn and watched the loveliest movie, Midnight in Paris. Great movie, entertaining enough, serious enough, humorous, educational, inspiring, full of a great cast (btw I love Marion Cotillard). Watch it, love it, then talk to me about it.

I don’t know how anyone can watch that movie and not be completely happy about life. That and feel the need to visit Paris that must be filled immediately!

After we watched the movie we decided to walk around and look at the shops.

It seemed like the next best choice would be to get gelato from Whole Foods and continue walking around.

Perfect night. Really perfect.

Also I can’t stop listening to French music and Cole Porter now.